BYD Seal Voice Control: Best "Hi BYD" Commands Every Owner Should Know
The BYD Seal includes an intelligent voice assistant called BYD Assistant that responds to the wake word "Hi, BYD". It controls navigation, climate, music, phone calls, and vehicle features entirely hands-free. You can also activate it by pressing the speech recognition button on the steering wheel or tapping the microphone icon on the touchscreen. Once awake, speak naturally and the system performs the recognised instruction.
How to Activate Voice Control?
Three ways to wake BYD Assistant on the Seal, verified from the owner's manual:
- Voice wake word: Say "Hi, BYD" clearly. The system listens immediately.
- Steering wheel button: Press the speech recognition button. The touchscreen switches to the voice recognition screen.
- Touchscreen icon: Tap the microphone icon on the infotainment display.
After wake-up, speak your command. If the system doesn't understand, press the steering wheel button again to re-enter a voice command. The manual confirms this re-entry method.
20 Essential "Hi BYD" Commands
| Category | Voice Command | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | "Set the temperature to 23 degrees" | A/C adjusts to 23°C |
| "Turn on the air conditioning" | A/C system activates | |
| "Turn off the air conditioning" | A/C system switches off | |
| "Turn on the seat ventilation for the driver" | Driver seat cooling activates | |
| "Turn on seat heating" | Front seat heater activates | |
| Navigation | "Go home" | Routes to saved home address |
| "Navigate to [destination]" | Starts route guidance | |
| "Find a charging station nearby" | Searches nearby EV chargers | |
| "Find a petrol station" | Searches nearby POI results | |
| Media | "Play music" | Starts playback from last source |
| "Start DAB+" | Switches to digital radio | |
| "Next song" | Skips to next track | |
| "Volume up" / "Volume down" | Adjusts media volume | |
| Phone | "Make a call" | Opens the dialling screen |
| "Call [contact name]" | Dials saved contact via Bluetooth | |
| "Answer the call" | Picks up incoming call | |
| "Reject the call" | Declines incoming call | |
| Vehicle | "Open the windows" | Windows roll down |
| "Close the windows" | Windows roll up | |
| "Turn on the ambient lighting" | Interior mood lighting activates |
The owner's manual specifically lists these example commands: "Go home", "Play music", "Make a call", "Set the temperature to 23°C", and "Turn on the seat ventilation for the driver." Use exact phrases for best recognition accuracy.
Tips for Better Voice Recognition
BYD Assistant works well in a quiet cabin but can struggle with background noise:
- Speak at normal volume. Shouting distorts the signal. Conversational tone works best.
- Use specific commands. Say "Set the temperature to 22 degrees" rather than "make it cooler."
- Close windows first. Highway wind noise overwhelms the cabin microphone.
- Wait for the listening prompt. Pause until the screen shows the listening animation before speaking.
- Keep the microphone area clear. The cabin mic is near the overhead console.
- Update software regularly. BYD improves voice recognition through OTA updates. See our Seal battery and software guide for details.
What BYD Assistant Cannot Do?
- Cannot compose or send text messages
- Cannot read emails aloud
- Cannot control third-party apps (Spotify, WhatsApp). Use CarPlay or Android Auto voice assistants instead.
- Cannot toggle ADAS features like ACC or lane-keeping. These require the touchscreen. See our Seal ADAS features guide.
- Cannot lock or unlock the car via voice from inside
Changing the Default Voice Assistant
If you prefer Google Assistant, navigate to Settings > Assistant and Voice > Digital Assistant App > Default Digital Assistant App. The "Hi, BYD" wake word and steering wheel button then activate your chosen assistant instead.
Voice Control Quick Reference
| Measurement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wake word | "Hi, BYD" |
| Steering wheel activation | Press speech recognition button |
| Touchscreen activation | Tap microphone icon |
| Re-enter command | Press steering wheel button again |
| Supported categories | Navigation, climate, music, phone, vehicle |
| Bluetooth required for | Phone calls and contact dialling |
| Home address required for | "Go home" navigation command |
| Change default assistant | Settings > Assistant and Voice > Default |
| Dynaudio sound control | Vehicle > Audio (sound field focus) |
Hidden Features Most Owners Miss
Beyond the standard 20 commands, these lesser-known voice capabilities unlock features most Seal owners never discover:
- "What's the battery level?" Quick SOC check without looking at the dash. Useful when parked and planning your next charge.
- "Open the sunroof." Hands-free sunroof control while driving, no touchscreen tapping needed.
- "Turn on rear defrost." Clears the rear window without reaching for buttons on cold mornings.
- "Increase fan speed." Adjusts A/C fan without navigating climate menus.
- "Set Dynaudio to driver's seat." The Seal's premium Dynaudio audio system supports voice-adjustable sound field focus. Options include the entire cabin, driver's seat, front passenger's seat, rear seats, surrounding space, or a customised area. This sound focus technology crafts a balanced environment that most owners never explore.
The more you use BYD Assistant, the more natural it becomes. Most owners who switch from touchscreen-only to voice-first driving report feeling safer and less distracted. For other capabilities worth exploring, see our Seal V2L guide for powering appliances from your car.
Common Mistakes Seal Owners Make
- Saying commands before the system is listening. Wait for the on-screen prompt after "Hi, BYD."
- Using vague language. "Make it cold" fails. "Set temperature to 20 degrees" works.
- Expecting calls without Bluetooth. Pair your phone first.
- Never using voice for climate. Climate commands are the most reliable and fastest hands-free control.
- Forgetting to set a home address. "Go home" fails without a saved location.
- Ignoring OTA updates. Each update can improve recognition accuracy.
Your Seal's regenerative braking can also be adjusted while driving using the physical lever. See our Seal regenerative braking guide for Standard vs High mode. For home charging setup, check our Mode 2 cable guide.